In the 21st match of the ODI World Cup 2023, India will take on table-toppers New Zealand at HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala. This game will be for the top position at the points table as both teams are unbeaten in the ongoing tournament. Both India and New Zealand have won all four of their games in the ongoing tournament.
However, ahead of the crucial game, the rain is set to play spoilsport in Dharamshala today. According to the latest weather forecast, there is more than a 45 per cent chance of rain during the game, and it might interrupt the game. It’s worth noting that in the last game at this venue, officials had to shorten the game due to rain. However, during India’s game, the weather is likely to get clear by 7 PM, and it might not affect the second inning.
Therefore, it indicates that there might be a delayed start or rain interruption during the initial hours of the match. If the rain delay lasts more than 60 minutes, some overs will be reduced. The evening is expected to have improved conditions with minimal or no rain, though the clouds will persist all day. The temperatures will range from a high of 19 degrees to a low of 12 degrees, making it a chilly day in Dharamsala. With the onset of winter, dew will also be present, tempting the teams to opt for bowling first.
Can India break the Kiwi jinx in Dharamshala?
Since 2003, India has failed to beat New Zealand in any multinational tournament. Who can forget the 2019 World Cup semifinal between both countries? The Indian team will look to avenge their four-year-old defeat, while New Zealand will be looking to continue their dominance against the hosts.
Meanwhile, New Zealand bowlers have a great record against Indian batters. From left-handed pacer Trent Boult to spinner Mitchell Santner, Indian batters have been tested by the Kiwi bowling line-up. India skipper Rohit Sharma has the poorest record against left-arm pacers, while Virat Kohli has the worst possible record against Santner. However, star Indian batter Shubman Gill has been phenomenal against New Zealand, scoring more than 400 runs in just six innings.
